Detecting soft-tissue interposition in proximal tibial physeal injury based on fast field echo resembling a computed...

Fast field echo resembling a computed tomography using restricted echo-spacing (FRACTURE) is a method of magnetic resonance bone imaging that provides computed tomography-like image contrast based on a high-resolution three-dimensional gradient sequence. This is the first report on the application of FRACTURE in the detection of soft-tissue interposition. We present a case of Ogden type IV proximal tibial physeal injury in an 11-year-old boy. FRACTURE revealed soft-tissue interposition into the displaced physis as high signal. Intraoperatively, the ruptured periosteum was entrapped into the displaced physis. In addition to the benefit of radiation-free imaging, FRACTURE is useful for assisting in the detection of interposition for many radiologists and orthopedic surgeons, and it may be useful in determining the treatment strategy for proximal tibial physeal injury.